Luciano Sderci 16" viola, 1962, Eric Blot certificate | Metzler Violins

soulful, powerful, mature

About the Instrument
This viola has a soulful, gorgeous sound that projects beautifully, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a bold sound from a smaller instrument. This instrument has a russet varnish over a golden ground, applied with a lighter touch on the quarter cut maple back. It bears a strong medium curl figure falling slightly from the center joint. Similar flames run along the ribs and neck, though the scroll is of a slightly plainer wood.

Interior label reads: “Luciano Sderci Ignio / fece in Firenze-Anno 1962.” Just above the wood is inscribed: “Fatto a Firenze da / Luciano Sderci di Igino”
Length: 401 mm (16”)
Upper Bouts: 196 mm
Middle Bouts: 133 mm
Lower Bouts: 241 mm

About the Maker
Luciano Sderci (1924-1986) was born in Siena, a city in central Tuscany, to the master luthier Igino Sderci. Initially helping his father in his workshop as an errand boy, the younger Sderci eventually began building his own instruments. While Igino was known for his exacting precision, Luciano Sderci distinguished his work for their refined timbres and rougher varnish. The father and son duo maintained a supportive and enmeshed working relationship, working together for decades. By the 1970s, Sderci began modeling instruments on the 17th century Florentine luthier Rocco Doni, moving further from the elder Sderci’s models.

Sderci received awards for his instruments and work, including at the anniversary marking Stradivarius’ death in Cremona. He received first place in the Roman National Competition of Contemporary Violinmaking in 1952. By the 1960s, however, Sderci struggled to continue his work do to declining health. He died only three years after his father. Luciano Sderci’s pieces are difficult to find, making this instrument a particular gem.